Dennis Tueart believes City have the advantage going into Sunday’s derby at the Etihad Stadium thanks to their impressive home form.

Dennis Tueart believes City have the advantage going into Sunday’s derby at the Etihad Stadium thanks to their impressive home form.

The Blues have gone almost two years without losing a Premier League game at home since a 2-1 defeat to Everton in December 2010.

United last won a league game at the Etihad Stadium in April 2010, although they also triumphed there in last season’s FA Cup third round clash.

Tueart believes City’s home form will be key to whether Roberto Mancini’s team can win a second title in a row, starting with United’s visit on Sunday.

“I think we have to make sure that our home form continues,” said Tueart, who had two spells as a City player in the 1970s and 80s.

“In any successful season, as was proven last year, the home performances are fundamental. It’s always difficult when you go to any club in the Premier League but if you ‘re getting three points at home as often as you can, it gives you a real boost.”

Tueart accepts City’s run of home form is in part down to the collection of players the club has assembled since Sheikh Mansour’s takeover. But the former England international is also keen to give Mancini credit for his part in the phenomenal run.

City have conceded six goals at home in the Premier League this season, bettered only by Stoke. And Tueart (above) believes it’s Mancini’s style of play which starves opponents of the ball.

“City have developed a possession game,” said Tueart. “If you control the ball then you control the game. That’s what City have got the ability to do.

“They’ve got players who are very comfortable on the ball, they can retain possession and they can have nice passing movements.

“If you watch Barcelona, that’s what they do.

“They frustrate the opposition by keeping the ball. In the past, we’ve been gung-ho. We had a reputation of being open and attractive but being open at the back.

“United are going through that. The opposition is scoring three but they’re scoring four.”

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